Sitharaman denied allegations of alleged kickbacks to the tune of Rs 17.55 crore to officials in her ministry for upgrading Russian-made transport aircraft AN 32s.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the states are capable of reducing fuel prices and they should do so keeping in mind the interests of the people.

Responding to a question on the rising fuel prices, Sitharaman, who was speaking to mediapersons in Ludhiana, said, “I read in media reports that the daily revenue of two states has shot up to Rs 9 crore and Rs 7 crore owing to the recent hike in fuel prices. Discussions were held by the GST (Goods and Service Tax) council and the petroleum minister to find a solution to the problem but they will have to take the states along,” she said.

She denied allegations of alleged kickbacks to the tune of Rs 17.55 crore to officials in her ministry for upgrading Russian-made transport aircraft AN 32s.

The allegations had surfaced after a Ukrainian anti-corruption agency approached the ministry of home affairs (MHA).

“No agreement was ever made with the company and the allegations are totally baseless. The MHA will respond to the Ukrainian authorities,” she said. She also talked about the 48 months of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre.

“From developing infrastructure to the welfare of farmers, the government has worked for an all-round development of the country As per the latest World Bank data, 50 per cent of all new bank accounts opened across the globe were in India. The road connectivity has improved like never before and after imposition of GST, 1 crore citizens are filing tax against 65 lakh before,” she said.